Former UNM President's 'prostitution' site ruled legal

A state judge has ruled that the website of a former University of New Mexico president accused of helping run an online prostitution ring was legal.

The Albuquerque Journal reports District Judge Stan Whitaker ruled the website, an online message board and a computer account of former University of New Mexico President F. Chris Garcia did not constitute a "house of prostitution." He also said the website wasn't "a place where prostitution is practiced, encouraged or allowed."

The case was scheduled to go before a grand jury this week.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Mark Drebing says the state's options are to reschedule the grand jury presentment and abide by Whitaker's order, come up with different charges or appeal the judge's order to the state Supreme Court.